Personal Care & Fitness San Antonio, TX Pop. 1,434,625

Cosmetologist Salary in San Antonio, Texas

The median cosmetologist salary in San Antonio, TX is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.4% below the Texas state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
$-1,404
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

Cosmetologist Pay in San Antonio: What to Expect (2026)

San Antonio offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $1,404 below the Texas state average of $32,274. Compared to the national median of $35,080, San Antonio pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of San Antonio's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes San Antonio an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in San Antonio spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,434,625, San Antonio typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in San Antonio by Experience

In San Antonio, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Antonio, TX

Percentile San Antonio
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$36,834
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$35,080
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$33,677
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$32,274
Pop. 918,915

How to Become a Cosmetologist in San Antonio

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Antonio and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Antonio may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in San Antonio

Browse open cosmetologist positions in San Antonio, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in San Antonio

How much does a Cosmetologist make in San Antonio, TX? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in San Antonio, Texas is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in San Antonio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in San Antonio earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
San Antonio's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 4.4% below the Texas state average of $32,274. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Antonio, TX? ▼
San Antonio has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in San Antonio has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in San Antonio? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in San Antonio require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.